Question for Michael B

[littlebhuddha]

I see where you have been engaged since May of last year. How many times have you been back to Colombia since you were engaged? Also since you and I are about the same age how old is your fiance?

[Michael B]

... in response to Question for Michael B, posted by littlebhuddha on Jun 16, 2003

Haven't been back (those child support payments suck up a LOT of money--in Texas they take 20% of your salary for the first kid and 5% for each additional kid, and yes, they check up on it, so unless you work 'off the books', you're screwed). We started to file once, but found out that INS would not accept her 'Seperacion de Cuerpos' papers (legal seperation, divorce was not legal in Colombia at the time they split) as proof that her previous marriage was terminated, so we had to get her a divorce, which took some more time and money, when the divorce was final, we filed, and like I mentioned, we are still waiting...and waiting....and waiting. I'm 52, she's 40 (but could pass as a 30yo by AW standards).

[littlebhuddha]

... in response to Re: Question for Michael B, posted by Michael B on Jun 16, 2003

Thanks for the info. I remember child support. Here in California I was paying 37% for two kids. I am still paying close to that only now it goes to a couple of colleges. I just came out of a relationship with a Colombiana that I met here in the states. I read on this board about guys that are getting engaged after one visit to LA and I cringe. I spent almost everyday with this lady for four months before I realized that we weren't right for each other. I still want to find the right Colombiana but I am not going to rush it. When I meet the right one I want to wait at least a year before getting married. I just don't know how difficult it will be to keep a relationship going with long periods between visits. I was planning on maybe visiting once every four months once I found some one that I was interested in. But at about $2500 per visit that will get very expensive. I will be going to Colombia for the first time in September. Probably Cali. Anyway thanks for your input.

[cancunhound]

... in response to Re: Re: Question for Michael B, posted by littlebhuddha on Jun 16, 2003

One option I used to save dinero 5 years ago was to meet on neutral grounds during the visa wait period.  At that time no visa was required for Costa Rica or Panama, and was able to fly her via COPA out of Cali, I met up with her flying AA, TACA, or COPA out of DFW - very affordable and I believe it was beneficial to spend alot of time on "neutral" ground.  COPA had pretty much fixed pricing (fair BTW), so I just waited to find a last minute special on my end out of DFW.  That way I managed to avoid the outrageous airfares into Colombia.  Put a pen to it - how much will you be spending on long distance bills - it may be cheaper to grab a plane!